by Wells, Linda
Elizabeth raised her brows. “Which proves again how I do not belong in your circle.”
He let out a frustrated groan. “Why do you keep trying to discourage me? You do realize that it makes me more determined than ever?”
“Perhaps you have realized my gambit, Mr. Darcy.” Her eyes danced and he broke into a wide smile.
Mr. Gardiner laughed and led the way to the dining room. Mrs. Gardiner and Jane looked up in surprise to see their guest, and especially to see Elizabeth holding his arm and looking up to his happy face. Clearing his throat, Mr. Gardiner announced, “Ladies, I am surprised but pleased to announce that Mr. Darcy came to me this morning to ask for Elizabeth’s hand. After assuring myself of his sincerity and her acceptance, I have given my permission to marry. Congratulations to our happy couple.”
“What?” Mrs. Gardiner stared between them and Jane’s hand went to her mouth. “When did you propose?” She demanded.
“When we disappeared during the supper dance.” Elizabeth admitted.
“No wonder you were flushed when you returned.” Jane said softly.
“Is nobody happy for us?” Elizabeth looked between the two and they both jumped up to hug her and shake Darcy’s hand. They all sat down at the table and after a moment of silence, Darcy looked to Elizabeth and raised his brows. She laughed and he smiled, then she turned to face her aunt. “Go ahead, begin your inquisition.”
“I SWEAR, FATHER; it was not I who spread the rumours.” Layton paced in his father’s study and ran his hand through his hair. “But you cannot deny that I was correct!”
“About what, that she is without dowry or connection? Yes, I will give you that, but that young woman displayed an exceptional amount of poise last night, despite the drama that was swirling around her. I am very impressed with Darcy’s choice.”
“I am ashamed!”
Lord Matlock watched his heir’s movement. “Well I suppose that you will have to come to grips with that because they are engaged, and I am sure that Darcy is at this hour receiving her uncle’s consent. It will be in the papers within days. It will not change. Your wife, by the way, has already met with your mother to discuss how to introduce Miss Elizabeth to our circle.”
“I will forbid it.”
“Oh, yes, that will go over well. How did you become such an insufferable snob?”
“I learned at my father’s feet.” He snapped.
“Do not blame this on me, Layton.” He shook his head and sat back in his chair. “Sometimes I think that you would have been better as the second son.”
Layton spat. “Oh yes, precious Richard should be the heir!”
“That is not what I said. As the second son you would not have been idle, you would have an occupation. Right now your occupation is waiting, and in the meantime, you fill your time with drink and dissipation.” He laughed. “You have become an old woman with your fondness for gossip!”
“Are you finished?” He stopped and glared.
“You will never win an argument with Father this way, Stephen.” Richard closed the door behind him. “So, what have I missed?”
“Nothing of note.” Lord Matlock sat back and closed his eyes. “Your mother is unhappy but resigned.”
“I thought that she was pleased with Miss Elizabeth? That is what I gathered when the guests were at last gone. I also noticed that the tide had turned back in her favour. At least the whole mistress debate was quashed as quickly as it appeared; now they are only talking about him foolishly being sought by a fortune hunter, which if you think about it, defines just about every woman.”
“Or every man.” Lord Matlock said with a twitch to his lips.
“Touché. Who will accompany them, I wonder.” Richard mused.
“Mr. Gardiner, I believe.” Lord Matlock saw Richard’s amused smile. “Yes, I appreciate the irony, Son. The man I refused entry to my home as a tradesman is now welcomed as future family.”
“I hope that he appreciates humour.” Richard settled into a chair and looked to his brother. “Are you well?”
“I am fine.” He said sourly. “What will you say to Darcy?”
“He is the head of his household, I can only give advice. His father gave him permission to wed as he liked, and to allow for sentiment in his choice.” Lord Matlock tilted his head and regarded his son. “Is this perhaps what angers you? That you did not marry for love, but rather for benefit?”
“I thought that you are happy with Alicia?” Richard asked. “She is a lovely woman.”
“We are happy and comfortable.” Layton said quietly. Richard and Lord Matlock exchanged glances and let the subject drop.
“My Lord, Mr. Harwick is here to see Viscount Layton.”
“Bring him in here.” Layton sat up. “Harwick was here last night; I wonder what this could be about?” The three men stood to receive their guest and shook hands before resuming their seats.
“I was not expecting to see you again so soon, Harwick, what brings you back?” Layton offered him some port and he accepted.
“Perhaps I could not stand to stay away?” He smiled and the others chuckled. “I came to inquire after one of your guests last night. Miss Bennet.”
“Miss Elizabeth?” Lord Matlock asked cautiously.
“No, the elder sister, Miss Jane Bennet.”
“Oh, well, what would you like to know?” The men all turned to look at him and he stared down at his hands.
“As you know, I lost my beautiful wife Ellen five and twenty months ago when she gave birth to our daughter, Ellie.” He paused to stop the welling emotion and took a breath. “I … I have completed the public mourning, however I know that I will never recover from her loss.” He paused again and Richard refilled his glass. He took a sip and set it down. “If it were not for the fact that my daughters deserve a mother figure and that I need an heir for my estate, I would not consider remarrying. However, I realize that I must do my duty. Miss Bennet seems to be a pleasant woman, and is certainly beautiful. She is not of the ton so she likely would not miss the society that I have no desire to explore anymore without Ellen. She is a gentleman’s daughter and from what I heard last night, she is unlikely to find a partner who is willing to take her on. Ellen’s dowry now belongs to my daughters, but I have enough funds to give Miss Bennet an attractive settlement.” He stopped and looked back up to Layton. “I ask you, your cousin Darcy is courting her sister, I respect him, and know that he would never make such a move without his family’s approval, would you agree that Miss Bennet is a worthy candidate for my wife?”
Layton let out a breath and looked to his father. “It would be without a doubt a loveless union?”
“Yes. Perhaps we could grow fond of each other over the years.”
“Forgive me Harwick, but that is a very dismal prospect. Would you not prefer a chance to find love again?” Richard asked curiously.
“There will never be anyone to replace my Ellen. Never.” He looked up and swallowed. “I am doing my duty.”
“And she is the best that you can find?”
“I have no desire to spend a Season sampling the possibilities. I would like to conclude this transaction as quickly as possible and return home.” He shook his head. “That sounds so cold, even to my ears. Look, you know me, I am happiest at home, I am not mean. I am a decent man. I know what has to be done and I am offering a future to a girl who likely does not have one without a great deal of luck.”
“Well.” Layton looked helplessly at his father who had an understanding expression on his face.
“You remind me of Darcy’s father. He was deeply in love with my sister and when she died after having their daughter, he was devastated. Fortunately he had his son already and never had to contemplate remarrying. Darcy and Miss Elizabeth will be here within the hour. Would you care to stay and speak to her? Darcy might be able to answer a few questions, but obviously her sister would be of great help.”
Harwick nodded. “If it would not be an imposition?�
�
“No, we do have some family business to address, but it can wait a little time. I believe that Mr. Gardiner, the Misses Bennets’ uncle and guardian, will accompany them, and you may apply to him for permission to call.”
“Thank you.” Harwick let out a deep breath and sat back in his chair. “I have been dwelling on this all night.”
“May I ask you a question?” Richard saw his nod and continued. “If you had it to do over again, would you have married for love, or would you have preferred a marriage of convenience?”
“And not face the heartache that I do now?” Harwick sipped his port and shook his head and sighed. “I suppose there are ways to argue both sides; personally, I would not give up the memory of my Ellen for anything.” He smiled sadly.
“Is it fair to Miss Bennet to have to live with a ghost?”
“Would it be better to wind up a spinster aunt living with her sisters or make a match to a man who would not treat her well, or become a governess or companion? I suppose that she could conceivably marry better by being sister to Darcy, but unless he is willing to give her a dowry, her circumstances really will not change with that union. Perhaps a rich man like Darcy who does not need to worry about such things might come along, but all of us know how unlikely that is.”
“These are all valid discussions.” Lord Matlock said softly and watched as Layton remained silent, clearly thinking over the situation. “Well, until they arrive, shall we retire for some billiards?”
“HOW DO I LOOK?” Elizabeth asked Jane nervously. She was wearing one of her new gowns, but now it seemed shabby in comparison to the magnificent creation from Madame Dupree.
“It is beautiful, Lizzy.” Jane stood and hugged her. “I am happy for you.”
“Thank you, Jane. I am so nervous!”
“You will do well. After all you have already conquered the biggest obstacle; you have captured Mr. Darcy’s heart.” She paused and thought for a moment. “Do you truly love him?”
“I know that it seems strange to declare love for someone you barely know, but yes I do.” She picked up her journal and flipped through the pages. “I reread this last night. It covers the past two years. I read every entry about Mr. Darcy and Mr. Stewart with clear eyes. My feelings were always there for him.” She sat down and took Jane’s hands. “He has always, from that first moment, made me feel unconditionally special. Nobody has ever done that for me, except Papa. But then when I was old enough to realize that Papa was using me as a buffer between him and Mama, I did not feel quite so special anymore. Mr. Darcy, every time that he saw me, communicated his love.”
“But he did not try to find you.”
“No, but Aunt said something to me when he asked for my courtship. Neither of us were ready before. I was too young, and he was so burdened with the death of his father. While I may have dreamed and wished for him, he was mature enough to know that neither of us was ready. The moment he realized that he was, he came to me.”
“You met by chance.”
“Yes, but I know that he would have found me wherever I was.”
“And his hat blew away.” Jane smiled.
“And I grew up.”
“Will I find a good man? Nobody called today, not one man that I danced with last night.” Jane said softly. “What is wrong with me?”
“Nothing Jane.”
“I am ready to settle for security, not love.” Jane said and met Elizabeth’s eyes. “I can see now how rare that truly is.”
“Please do not turn into Charlotte! You are but twenty!”
“But I would be happy being a good wife for a decent man, Lizzy. That would be more than most women achieve. I was raised to marry and save the family when Papa dies. That is what Mama told me. That is my duty.”
“But my marrying Mr. Darcy …”
“He should not have to carry the burden for all of us. If I find a man willing to take me, I will say yes.” Jane stood and smiled. “No more fanciful dreams, Lizzy. We have been here for months, and nobody has called. Beauty seems to win dances but money wins suitors.” She kissed Elizabeth’s cheek. “You will have to have the love match for both of us.”
“FOR HEAVEN’S SAKE, CAROLINE, enough with the inquisition!” Bingley said tiredly.
“If you had let me go with you, I would not be asking you these questions.” Caroline huffed and sneezed into her handkerchief. She moaned and Louisa poured her new cup of tea. “What did Mr. Darcy’s relatives think of the chit?”
“Caroline, please do not refer to Miss Elizabeth that way. She is a wonderful girl and I am pleased that she is my friend.”
“Oh Charles, you have not fallen for her, have you?” Caroline moaned.
“If he had, then Mr. Darcy would be free.” Louisa suggested and raised her brows.
“That is true.”
“Caroline, enough. Miss Elizabeth and Darcy are courting, and I have no doubt that it will lead to marriage one day. Leave my feelings for her out of it.
“You have feelings for her?” Caroline pounced.
“Friendship, Caroline, only friendship.” Charles stood. “I think that you should be concentrating on your marriage prospects, not mine or Darcy’s. Who has called lately?” Caroline became silent and Bingley nodded. “There, I made my point.” He nodded to Louisa and left the room.
“He is insufferable.” Caroline pouted.
“He is correct, though. The Season is half over. You were supposed to be married this year, as I recall.”
“I set my sights on Mr. Darcy.”
“Well obviously that ship is sailing.” Louisa laughed. “I suggest that you lower your expectations.”
“And marry as you did? I do not think so.”
“At least I am not a spinster.” Caroline shot her sister a venomous look.
“There must be something. Perhaps if I suggest to Mr. Darcy that Miss Elizabeth loves my brother … but then when will I ever be in Mr. Darcy’s company again?”
“I do not think it matters, Caroline, Miss Elizabeth will surely be present. Your thoughts of taking advantage of Charles’s friendship with him were reasonable at first, but surely you should recognize that he never entertained thoughts of you in return.” She cocked her head at her glowering sister. “Mr. Hurst does not seem so terrible now, does he?”
ELIZABETH SAT ON A LOVESEAT in the blue sitting room of Matlock House. She looked around surreptitiously, and was glad that Darcy House was decorated with quiet elegance instead of this ostentatious display of wealth. “It is such a lovely room, Lady Matlock.”
“Thank you. It is in desperate need of redecoration, though.” She glanced around. “I did this when my husband became the Earl.” She shook her head. “I was flaunting the title, I think.”
Elizabeth’s surprise showed and she smiled. “I see that you agree?”
“I would never say so, madam.”
“I realize that Miss Elizabeth, and I appreciate your discretion. It is a worthy accomplishment. Now, tell me of your others.”
“I sing, and play the pianoforte.” Lady Matlock nodded and lifted her brows. “I read a great deal.”
“That is useful in conversation …not novels, I hope?”
“Occasionally, but mostly poetry and histories.”
“Excellent. Have you attended the theatre?”
“Not often.”
“Then I suppose you have not attended many balls?”
“Assemblies mostly, and a few balls with my aunt and uncle, but nothing like last night before.”
“And what did you think of last night?”
“It was …exhausting.”
Lady Matlock’s lips twitched but she did not smile. “Why?”
“You were aware of the gossip, Lady Matlock.”
“But you were not.”
“No, but I was aware that I was the object of interest.”
“And how did you react?”
“I tried to give them nothing to gawk at.” Again Lady Matlock’s smile threate
ned to appear.
“Do you have any idea what is entailed with becoming Mrs. Darcy?”
“Besides giving him a home that he prefers above all other places? No madam, I do not.” Elizabeth lifted her chin and raised her brow. At last Lady Matlock smiled. “I hope that you will be willing to teach me. My aunt has done her best, but of course she is not from this circle.”
“You are visiting Madame Dupree tomorrow?”
“Yes.”
She handed her a folded paper. “This is a list of items to purchase. These are not your wedding clothes. That will be a far more extensive list. This will take you through the remainder of the Season. Until they are complete, you may borrow from my closet, we seem to have a similar build. I do not want you to be out of society for the weeks required to prepare this order. You will come here Friday and we will choose your wardrobe.”
“Mr. Darcy and I are visiting my family on Friday.” Elizabeth cast her eyes down but Lady Matlock saw the fear there.
“Miss Elizabeth.” She looked back up. “My nephew will not run away from you. Not now. He has been a lost soul since his mother died, and his father’s passing devastated him. I have not seen him smile so easily since he was a child. This, above everything, is why I am accepting you.”
“Then I will endeavour to impress you with my other abilities.” Lady Matlock’s brows rose. “I hope that one day your acceptance will be based on my merits as Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy.”
“I hope so as well.” She cleared her throat and smiled. “Perhaps my daughters will accompany you to the modiste.” She tilted her head, considering the idea. “Hmm, well we shall definitely meet Saturday, and now, let us join the gentlemen.” She stood and led the way to her husband’s study. “This is my husband’s private room. I generally leave him alone in here, after all the rest of the home is mine, but I like to drop in from time to time.”
Elizabeth smiled to hear this little story of their domestic life, and considered what she might do with Fitzwilliam someday. The men stood with their entrance and Darcy was immediately at her side. “Are you well?”
“I survived.” She smiled and he relaxed. “And you?”
“We have yet to begin.” He nodded to Harwick. “Your sister has a suitor, and he would like to meet you. Miss Elizabeth Bennet, this is Mr. Jeffrey Harwick.”
